Appointment against this post is on a local basis; candidates shall be recruited in the country of the duty station, irrespective of nationality and length of time the candidate may have been in the country. If no suitable candidate is identified, overseas candidates will be considered subject to a passing grade on the relevant entry-level examinations at the duty station.

The candidate is responsible for any expenses incurred in order to take the examination and interview and, in the event of an employment offer, any costs relating to travel and relocation to the duty station.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in ESCWA and is represented throughout the United Nations. The Research Assistant at this level usually reports to a higher level Research Assistant, to Chief of Unit/Section/Division.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will be responsible for carrying out the following:

1 - Assists in identifying and monitoring substantive aspect of the work of the Unit/Section/Division in various regions/countries. Selects and evaluates a variety of documents, summarizes pertinent material, collects and analyses data and prepares background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs and reports;2 - Systematically follows through and retrieves highlights and compiles information from a wide variety of information sources; prepares input for the electronic database and the internet and co-operates with research institutes and organizations in the collection of data; 3 - Assembles and examines original statistical material to ensure accuracy, clarity and validity; makes appropriate adjustments;4 - Designs, prepares and maintains a country profile for each country assigned to the Unit/Section/Division;5 - Prepares a variety of reports, presentations, tables, lists, charts, data sets, and/or diagrams for information in order to facilitate the in-depth analysis of the retrieved information by the supervisor and other users;6 - Participates in the substantive and policy discussions of the Unit/Section/Division; 7 - Maintains and expands contacts with other departments in the Secretariat, as well as the UN agencies and programmes and other organizations relevant to the region, and co-ordinates the input of other departments in the collection of data for assignments received;8 - Prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, charts, graphs, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews;9 - Drafts programme/project summaries, co-ordinates review and clearance process and co-ordinates with editor, translation services, etc., on finalization and publication of reports in multiple languages;10 - Identifies the organizational requirements for conferences and meetings and assists in the preparation of documentation and reports for these meetings;11 - Attends a variety of meetings to follow discussions, takes notes and prepares summary report, notes for the file, correspondence, etc.;12 - Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff;13 - Performs other related work as required.

Competencies

Professionalism - Knowledge of research methodologies, data collection and maintenance. Ability to identify, extract, analyse and format data from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning and Organizing - Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Accountability - Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience is required in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development or related area.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Assessment

The shortlisted candidates will undergo the United Nations Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) and a written assessment related to the functions of the post in addition to a competency-based interview. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.